“We’ll see,” Boone said before the Yankees faced the Toronto Blue Jays, according to ESPN. “We’re kind of talking about that here today, tomorrow, and we’ll make a call one way or the other.”

The Yankees improved to 29-19 after a 7-6 win over Toronto, while the Blue Jays fell to 21-26. With injuries continuing to affect the rotation, Cole’s return could give New York an important boost heading into a tough stretch of the season.

Cole getting close to Yankees comeback

Recent roster moves increased speculation that Cole could return this week. The Yankees optioned Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A, leaving an open spot in the rotation for Friday’s series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

“He looks really good,” Boone said. “His last start was mostly excellent.” The 35-year-old has posted a 5.28 ERA during rehab, but the Yankees have focused more on his velocity and pitch count as he builds back toward full strength.

Yankees rotation dealing with more injury concerns

Cole’s possible return comes at an important time for New York’s pitching staff. Max Fried recently went on the injured list with an elbow issue, while Carlos Rodon is still trying to regain consistency after returning earlier this month.

Even without Cole for most of the season, the Yankees rotation has remained one of the best in baseball. Boone said the right-hander has already checked many of the boxes needed before returning to MLB action. Whenever Cole officially returns, it will be his first major league appearance since Game 4 of the 2024 World Series.

Before that activation becomes a reality, Boone revealed that Cole must clear one final hurdle before officially taking the hill for the Yankees this season. The reigning Cy Young winner is scheduled to make one more rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to completely dial in his pitch count before the front office officially inserts him back into the major league rotation.

That final tune-up remains the definitive plan for Cole’s return to the Bronx. However, when asked if that timeline could fluctuate based on how the right-hander feels, Boone kept his options open, noting, “We’ll talk about it all,” leaving the door slightly ajar to either give his ace a bit more time or immediately slot him into an upcoming series.

Meanwhile, as the Yankees navigate their rotation shuffle, third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. emphasized that the clubhouse has no reason to panic over Carlos Rodon. While Rodon scuffled and made a few costly mistakes during his recent Subway Series outing, internal expectations remain incredibly high regarding what the left-hander will deliver in his upcoming starts.

Cole’s metrics through his Triple-A rehab assignment

The Yankees’ ace has looked sharp across his minor league appearances, putting up dominant metrics as he builds up his arm strength ahead of his big-league return. Here is a breakdown of his rehab performance so far:

Cole has put himself in a position to rejoin the big-league club sooner rather than later. With his return imminent, the Yankees are poised to welcome back a premier frontline ace who has historically anchored their pitching staff and served as the catalyst for deep postseason runs.

“Really good. Ripped his last heater 99 [mph] for another punch. I thought [Sunday] — working on things every time prior, and not that he wasn’t [Sunday], but I think it was a little more of a competitive Gerrit trying to get outs. I thought he threw the ball really well. Stuff was really good. Another good step for him,” Boone said after watching Cole’s rehab start with Double-A Somerset, according to The New York Post.

Cole threw 77 pitches across five innings, striking out eight batters while continuing to build stamina and refine his command during the final stages of his rehab assignment. At the same time, Will Warren could complicate the Yankees’ rotation plans as his strong performances keep adding pressure to the upcoming roster decisions.

Boone impressed by Cole’s latest rehab outing

Cole’s performance marked another encouraging step in his recovery, as he continues to show improved velocity and consistency across multiple rehab starts. Across five outings, he has allowed just two walks while striking out 22 batters, signaling strong command following his recovery process.

“I think that’s in a pretty good place. I think he probably stuff-wise ramped it up maybe even another notch [Sunday]. Hopefully now as he continues to build his pitch count, he can continue to do that through his next couple,” Boone added The Yankees are expected to give Cole at least one or two more rehab starts before considering a full return to the major league rotation.

Cole’s progress and Yankees roster situation

Gerrit Cole’s steady progress keeps him on track for a potential return later this month, depending on how his next rehab appearances unfold as he continues building toward a full workload.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are also monitoring other roster situations. Giancarlo Stanton recently underwent follow-up imaging on his calf injury, with Boone noting that the next step could involve a return to running if recovery continues positively.

In the meantime, Spencer Jones has remained in the lineup, making his fourth consecutive start since being called up to replace injured rookie Jasson Dominguez, who is sidelined with an AC joint sprain.

Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Rodon could be close to returning to the major league roster. “His next outing could be in the big leagues,” Boone said, according to MLB.com, signaling optimism despite some inconsistency in his latest rehab appearance.

Rodon recently made a start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, pitching 6.1 innings while allowing six runs. Across three rehab outings, he has posted a 3.38 ERA over 16 innings, showing gradual progress as he builds back his workload.

Rodon nearing return as Yankees evaluate rotation options

With Rodon trending toward a return, the Yankees are expected to make adjustments to their rotation. A likely scenario would see him take the spot of rookie Elmer Rodriguez, who made two starts in the majors before being optioned to Triple-A after his most recent outing.

While Rodon’s results have been mixed, the focus remains on his health and ability to handle a full starter’s workload. His return could come soon, potentially during an upcoming road series, as the Yankees look to stabilize their pitching staff.

Cole progressing steadily but still needs more time

Meanwhile, Cole continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery and remains slightly behind Rodon in his timeline. In his latest rehab outing with High-A Hudson Valley, Cole allowed five runs over 4.1 innings while striking out four batters.

Boone indicated that Cole is still some distance from returning, with the Yankees targeting late May or early June for his comeback. The right‑hander has now completed four rehab starts as he continues building strength and endurance.

With both Rodon and Cole moving closer to returning, the Yankees are positioned to reinforce their rotation in the coming weeks, a development that could significantly impact their performance as the season progresses.

Yankees clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits reported on X that Stanton’s recovery is progressing steadily. “Giancarlo Stanton said his calf is improving. Hit in cage yesterday and will hit again tomorrow. Doing workout in pool today. Seems encouraged by progress,” she wrote, signaling continued optimism around his rehab process.

Stanton has battled injuries throughout his Yankees tenure, appearing in 158 games in 2018 and 139 in 2021, but never exceeding 114 games in any other season since joining New York. His availability remains a key factor for a Yankees lineup that continues to rely on his power production when healthy.

Yankees inch closer to full-strength rotation with Cole, Rodon progress

While Stanton works his way back and Will Warren remains confident in the rotation, the Yankees are also tracking progress from their pitching core, with both Cole and Rodon expected to return before the end of June. Their rehab outings have provided encouraging signs for a rotation that has performed well despite missing key arms.

Rodon’s most recent rehab start featured 75 pitches across 5.1 innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out eight batters. Meanwhile, Cole went 5.2 innings in his latest outing, allowing three earned runs on three hits while striking out three over 60 pitches, while also reaching 95 mph on the radar gun.

Yankees building toward major roster boost in coming weeks

With Stanton trending upward and both Cole and Rodon progressing in their recovery timelines, the Yankees are moving closer to a full-strength roster at a critical point in the season. The organization remains cautiously optimistic, balancing rehab workloads with long-term durability.

If all three players return as expected, New York could soon shift from managing injuries to deploying one of the most complete rosters in baseball as they push deeper into the 2026 campaign.

Gerrit Cole is also progressing, with the team monitoring his workload as received an update on Cole after latest rehab start. In the middle of those developments, Warren delivered another strong outing that continues to complicate the Yankees’ pitching picture.

Speaking to SNY, Warren expressed confidence in the group’s long-term outlook. “I think we’re going to have the best staff in all of baseball when they come back. The best pitchers are going to pitch the majority of the innings, so I just got to make sure I keep going out there and doing my job,” he said.

The 24-year-old right-hander has backed up that mindset with results. Warren improved to 4-0 with a 2.39 ERA through seven starts after striking out nine batters while allowing just two runs (one earned) over 6.1 innings in a win over the Baltimore Orioles. He has allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his starts this season, a mark that ranks among the best in Major League Baseball.

Warren’s performance adds pressure to Yankees’ rotation decisions

Warren’s consistency has made him a key part of a rotation that currently leads the majors with a 2.70 ERA. He has pitched at least six innings in each of his last three outings, helping the Yankees go 6-1 in his starts.

Despite the looming returns of Cole and Rodon, Warren remains focused on execution rather than roster implications. “Feel good… confident taking the mound every five days,” he said, highlighting the approach that has fueled his early success.

His ability to adjust mid-game has also stood out. “The ability to execute what I wanted to do wasn’t there tonight, so we kind of shifted… more offspeed than I’m used to,” Warren explained, emphasizing the adaptability that has helped him maintain results.

Yankees could face difficult choices as Cole and Rodon near return

With both Cole and Rodon expected back before the end of June, the Yankees will likely need to open two rotation spots. While rookie depth options may be the first to shift roles, Warren’s current form makes him a difficult candidate to remove.

Internally, Warren described the rotation dynamic as competitive but supportive. “There’s friendly competition,” he said, noting how starters push each other while maintaining a collective goal.

For now, the situation remains fluid. But if Warren continues at this level, the Yankees may be forced to make a more complex decision than initially expected—one that reflects both performance and long-term planning.

Cole threw 5.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on three hits while striking out three across 60 pitches. The 35-year-old also touched 95 mph on the radar gun, showing continued progress in his buildup while refining his secondary pitches in game action.

“I just generally enjoy the rhythm of it. I think it keeps the tempo of the delivery kind of upbeat and fluid,” Cole said, via reporter Greg Johnson on X, while discussing his adjusted over-the-head windup developed during his rehab process with Yankees staff.

The right-hander, working his way back from Tommy John surgery last March, remains on track as the Yankees maintain one of the strongest starts in baseball with a 20-11 record and first place in the AL East.

Cole continues steady progress as Yankees monitor rotation options

Cole’s latest outing builds on shorter rehab appearances over the past few weeks, signaling a gradual but consistent ramp-up toward a potential return to the Yankees rotation later this season. The right-hander has also emphasized improved comfort with his changeup, one of the key weapons he has been sharpening during his recovery.

Meanwhile, fellow Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon is also moving forward in his rehab assignment. According to the Somerset Patriots on X, “The @Yankees are currently scheduling for LHP Carlos Rodón to continue his @MLB rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots on Thursday, April 30.” His progression adds another layer of optimism for a rotation already performing at a high level.

Yankees could further strengthen elite pitching staff

With the Yankees already leading the AL East, the potential return of both Cole and Rodon could significantly deepen an already strong rotation. The organization is expected to remain cautious with both pitchers, but their respective rehab progress suggests reinforcements could arrive sooner rather than later.

A fully healthy rotation would give New York one of the most complete pitching staffs in baseball, reinforcing its status as a legitimate contender as the season progresses.

According to the Yankees on X, “Today, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of RHP Gerrit Cole from High-A Hudson Valley to Double-A Somerset.” The move comes after New York made roster decisions involving Randal Grichuk and Elmer Rodriguez.

Cole’s second rehab start showed further signs of progress, as he allowed two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings for the Hudson Valley Renegades. He struck out four batters without issuing a walk, while demonstrating strong command and efficiency, throwing 42 of his 52 pitches for strikes.

Cole’s rehab progress builds toward higher-level tests

Cole’s workload remains the central focus for the Yankees as they carefully manage his return from the elbow surgery he underwent on March 11 of last year. The procedure sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, making this rehab assignment a crucial stage in his comeback process.

Yankees carefully monitor rotation reintegration timeline

As Cole progresses through Double-A competition, the organization is closely evaluating how he responds to increased intensity and sharper lineups. For now, the Yankees remain focused on gradually building his workload to ensure long-term stability.

Cole allowed two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings for the Hudson Valley Renegades, striking out four without issuing a walk. “Felt good. Got into the fifth again and threw all my pitches, so a good night,” Cole said after the game, according to ESPN.

The outing marked another step forward in his return timeline after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in March of last year. Cole continues to build arm strength and pitch volume while adjusting to game speed in a controlled environment, following the steady progression he showed when Cole revealed how he felt after first rehab start.

Cole continues steady progression in rehab outings

Across his first two rehab appearances, Cole has shown consistent progress in workload and command. In this latest start, he was efficient with his pitch count, throwing 42 of 52 pitches for strikes while working through multiple innings of minor league competition.

Although he allowed a home run and a sacrifice fly, the focus remains on durability and rhythm rather than results as he prepares for a return to Major League action.

Yankees monitor rotation as Cole nears return

The Yankees are closely managing Cole’s recovery, knowing his return could significantly strengthen the rotation. His workload remains the key factor in determining when he’ll rejoin the roster, as he continues to work back from the elbow surgery he underwent on March 11 of last year, a procedure that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.

Alongside Cole’s progression, the Yankees are also monitoring other pitching rehabs, including Carlos Rodon’s, as they work toward a healthier and more stable rotation for the next phase of the season.

Rodon’s progress continues to trend positively, as he is scheduled to throw 55–60 pitches in a live batting practice session. Boone added that the left-hander is “likely to get into a game next time out,” according to Hoch. The Yankees are closely monitoring his workload as he moves through the final stages of his buildup.

The update comes at a key moment for New York, with Rodon tracking ahead of Cole in their recovery timelines, a situation that gained added context after Cole revealed how he felt following his rehab start.

Rodon’s rehab progression signals near return for Yankees

Rodon’s scheduled 55–60 pitch live batting session represents a significant checkpoint in his recovery process. The Yankees have been deliberate with his ramp-up, aiming to ensure he regains full command and velocity before rejoining the major league rotation.

Cole recovery timeline remains slower but steady

While Rodon appears closer to a return, the situation with Cole remains more cautious. Boone’s comments suggest that Cole’s rehab is progressing on a longer timeline, with the organization prioritizing long-term health over urgency. His eventual return will be a major factor in shaping the Yankees’ pitching ceiling later in the year.

Cole showed both sharpness and rust across 4⅓ innings, allowing three runs on three hits, including a home run, while striking out three and walking one. He threw 44 pitches, 36 for strikes, in his first official game action since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. “I have a lot of confidence, but tonight was probably not the exact same guy,” Cole said, according to The New York Post. “Hopefully, it’s on its way.”

After Aaron Boone outlined the return timeline, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner received a standing ovation from the minor league crowd, marking a significant moment in his recovery journey. While his fastball regularly reached the mid‑90s and his secondary pitches showed effectiveness, Cole acknowledged that consistency and command are still returning as he rebuilds his game rhythm.

Cole works through uneven outing while continuing rehab progression

Cole opened his outing with a nearly clean first inning, narrowly avoiding a home run before striking out Carson DeMartini. However, his second inning proved more challenging after a long delay between frames, when he allowed a walk, a double, and a two-run homer.

“That was really the only time the command was a little shaky,” Cole said. “The walk was a bad walk.” Despite the setback, he settled in later, including a four-pitch third inning and a quick fourth, showing signs of improved efficiency as his pitch count climbed.

Yankees monitor rotation as Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón progress

Cole’s return comes as the Yankees also track the recovery of Carlos Rodón, who is working back from elbow surgery and recently experienced a minor setback. With both arms nearing the final stages of recovery, the Yankees are hopeful their rotation will soon regain two of its most important pieces heading deeper into the 2026 season.